Jayawardene surprised by Panesar omission

All-rounder Tim Bresnan came in for the 29-year-old left-armer, who had taken two wickets during the 75-run defeat in the first Test last week.

Jayawardene said: “Monty is always a matchwinner on a wicket that will turn a bit.

“They probably had to take a few gambles but Monty is a wicket-taker.

“I thought they also had concerns about the batting going with six batsman, five bowlers.

“They needed a bit of back-up as Samit (Patel) and (Tim) Bresnan both can bat, so that was a combination they felt they were comfortable with.”

England paceman Steve Finn also earned a recall to the side, claiming 1-51 as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 275 and thought the decision was justified.

He said: “Monty has bowled very well since he came back into the side in Dubai.

“The guys who pick the team obviously thought it was the way forward on this wicket to pick three seamers.”